Following comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement, Council has developed a Draft Chinchilla Botanic Parklands Master Plan that will go out to public consultation from July.

The 2017/18 Financial Year will see the detailed design and planning for the Chinchilla Botanic Gardens get underway with Western Downs Regional Council announcing it will invest $2.66 million in this year’s Budget.

Last year Council, in partnership with a specialist consultant, developed a Draft Master Plan incorporating feedback received from over 100 submissions from the first phase of public consultation;

2017/18 will see the Draft Master Plan go out to public consultation announcing it will call for further input from July;

Following the second round of public consultation, the project will commence a detailed landscape design of what will be constructed on the site;

The scope and timing of the project is contingent on Council receiving $2.85 million funding under the State Government’s Building Our Regions program, with the budget to be phased over three years;

Committed to connecting our people through creating vibrant active communities and great liveability, this year’s Budget in line with Council’s 2017 – 2022 Corporate Plan, will see Councillors and staff deliver valued community spaces for our entire region.

Council Spokesperson for Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said the focus was on delivering an outstanding contemporary design that meets the community’s needs and expectations.

“Last year we had a great response from the Chinchilla community as part of our first phase of public consultation, and this feedback has guided the development of the Draft Master Plan,” she said.

“This year Council will be moving ahead with our second phase of public consultation, bringing the Draft Master Plan to the community for feedback from July.

“Council is committed to developing a design that transforms the site into a multi-purpose and interactive park that connects our community through events, entertainment, and gatherings well into the future.

“The 2018 completion of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will bring many opportunities to the Western Downs, providing shorter travel times between Brisbane and Chinchilla, enhancing the gardens potential as a tourist destination.

“Spaces like the Chinchilla Botanic Gardens also become active vibrant hubs for the whole community, creating relaxing leisure spaces for families, events, and the travelling public.

“The key to the success of this project is ensuring that we are balancing the future needs of our community, while also enhancing our region’s liveability and building on the strength of our local economy and tourism industry.”